Top tips to respect wildlife and stay safe

2. Never feed wildlife – it’s illegal

Wildlife have evolved to find their own natural food sources, there is no need to help them out!

• Do not leave garbage or food out. Feeding wildlife teaches animals that humans provide food and can lead them to seek it out above all other sources of natural foods. It is harmful for their long-term safety and health
• Feeding wildlife at Parks Canada is illegal and you may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act if you are caught feeding them directly, or indirectly by leaving unattended food or garbage out

3. Keep your dog on a leash at all times – it is the law

Off-leash dogs can disturb, injure, or kill animals, including species at risk. For many wild animals, domestic dogs can cause stress, be seen as a threat, and trigger aggressive behaviour. Studies have shown that off-leash dogs are one of the most common causes of wildlife attacks.

• Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times, to prevent unsafe situations.
• Check the regulations of the destination you plan to visit to find out which places and trails are dog-friendly
• If you break the law, you may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and pay fines up to $25 000

4. Keep your picnic site and campsite clean

Wildlife can be attracted to anything that has an odour or smell, such as food, cooking gear, and toiletry-related items.

• Smelly items include: food, coolers, dishes, cooking utensils, camp stoves, pots and pans, garbage, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and more
• Keep your picnic site and campsite clean by storing all scented items in your vehicle or in designated storage lockers, and only take these items out when supervised and in use
• As soon as you finish cooking, eating and washing up, put everything back in proper storage

5. Hike during the day

For your safety, always hike during the day. Many animals are most active in the early morning hours (sunrise), in the early evening (sunset) and at night.

• Before you go: check the weather, trail conditions, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
• Travel in a group and make some noise – it is safer than travelling by yourself

6. If you see wildlife beside the road, slow down, stay in your vehicle and move on

Stopping to view wildlife can create a dangerous “wildlife jam" that puts you, wildlife, and other motorists at risk. In Parks Canada places, too many animals are killed along highways each year.

• If you see wildlife along the road: slow down, stay in your vehicle and move on. Always obey posted speed limits
• It is dangerous to pull over alongside the road because it stresses wildlife, can teach animals that vehicles are nothing to be afraid of, and is a visual obstruction for other drivers

7. Give wildlife space

With the right equipment like binoculars, a telephoto lens, or even your phone camera, you can get that spectacular photo of wildlife from a safe distance. Remember that although this may be a once in a lifetime experience for you, these types of encounters may be happening many times a day for the animal.

• Never attempt to take a photo of people with wildlife in the background, including selfies
• Stay at least 30 m (3 buses) away from large animals such as deer, moose and elk, and 100 m (10 buses) away from bears, wolves, coyotes and cougars
• Don’t approach wildlife or allow wildlife to approach you. This can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and put yourself, others, and the animals at risk. If you see others trying to approach wildlife, warn them of the dangers

8. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings

Surprising wildlife can stress the animal, leaving it little time to decide how to react and can create a dangerous encounter.

• Eliminate the risk of a dangerous encounter by learning to recognize wildlife signs such as fresh tracks, droppings, and freshly scraped soil or tree bark
• If you find signs of wildlife, stay calm, make noise, travel in a tight group, keep kids close, or even leave the area
• Do not wear headphones on the trails so you can properly be aware of your surroundings

9. Carry bear spray

Bear spray can be an effective deterrent in a surprise close encounter with a bear, and other large animals such as elk, bison, moose, coyotes, wolves and cougars. It contains capsaicin – a chemical found in chili peppers, that irritates the eyes, skin, and can affect breathing, but is not lethal.

• When travelling in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Keep the bear spray handy and in an easily accessible place – just in case

10. Stay on designated trails and respect area closures and restrictions

Area closures and restrictions are sometimes necessary to reduce human activity in important wildlife corridors, conduct research, protect fragile habitats and species, and to ensure visitor safety.

• Be a model visitor and always stay on the designated trails. Never ignore signs
• Be prepared to adjust your plans if you encounter unexpected trail closures

11. Leave your drone at home

Drones are prohibited in all Parks Canada places because they disturb wildlife, disrupt their natural behaviour and risk causing injury.

• Leave your drone at home or in your vehicle
• Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and pay fines up to $25 000